March 17.
In Chinese official circles I learn that the declaration of "independence" by General Lu Jung-ting, of Kuangsi, is not regarded as @ serious matter, as Kuangsi is a poor province and the attitude of Lu hae been doubtful since the commencement of the Yunnan revolt in December last. The declaration of independence by Kuangsi has much to do with the recent appointment of Lu as Pacification Commissioner of Kueichow and it is believed that this new post hastened him in joining hands with the Yun-Kuei rebels. -At important conference was held last evening in the Palsce under the presidency of Yuan Shih-kai, no doubt about Kuangsi. So long as. both Kuangtung and Szechuan remain loyal and undisturbed, the combination of the three needy Provinces of Yunnan, Kueichow and Kuangsi, from both financial and military points of view, does not constitute a very serious menace to the Central Government. Szechuan has now been practically cleared of the Yunnanese, hence it is quite safe at present.
According to information derived from a most trustworthy source, Lung Chi-kuang's attitude in stil unchanged towards the Central Government and he has repeatedly warned Teen Chun-hsuan, his former superior, that what he really desires is peace and order in his Province and that, as he is a military man, he does not care much either about Republicanism or Monarchy. It remains to be seen what attitude Lung Ohi-kuang will adopt if Lung Chin-kuang is compelled to join Lu or if Lu attacks Kuangtung territory.
In summing up the Chinese political situation, the whole centre of Yunnan) and incurred the hatred
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.